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PRODUCT PORTFOLIO

Star product
Kongsberg Ultimate

Kongsberg describes this next-generation digital cutting table as a game-changer, says Simon Eccles

uct requirements will likely choose the
24 and 44 models

How does it work?
This is a flatbed cutting and creasing
table with a travelling head carriage that
can take multiple tools. It is digitally con-
trolled from CAD data or cutting and
creasing layers within artwork files.
There’s a choice of four bed sizes, with
multiple zones for simultaneous load/
unload while working. The Ultimate’s
top speed is 167.5m/min, compared to
100m/min with the Kongsberg C-Series.
Its acceleration of 2.7G is more than 50%
greater than the C-Series.
The major new features include the
PrecisionDrive system for high accelera-
tion as well as high speed; a new carbon
fibre beam to support the head carriage;
What does it do?
Specifications new SmartZone perimeter detection; a
The Kongsberg Ultimate is an all-new Kongsberg’s previous owner Esko sold new production sequencing module; and
large-format digital cutting table, Working areas 24: it to the US OpenGate private equity firm a new control workstation.
intended for corrugated packaging and 1.68x3.2m; 44: in 2021, when it was renamed Kongsberg PrecisionDrive combines a high-torque
display work. It is the first of a planned 2.21x3.2m; 64: Precision Cutting Systems. Kongsberg is linear motor with a rack and pinion
family of Kongsberg cutters that empha- 3.21x3.2m; 66: now headquartered in Ghent, Belgium, movement for up to 2.7G acceleration
3.21x4.8m
sise high-throughput productivity and with R&D at its original site in the town and peak cutting speeds up to 167.5m/
precision. Max material size of Kongsberg in Norway, and a produc-
It introduces new technologies includ- (no conveyor) 24: tion factory in Brno in the Czech minute. Being gearbox-free makes it
ing a carbon fibre head beam, high accel- 1.78x3.92m; 44: Republic. more reliable with longer service inter-
eration motors and a new smart safety 2.31x3.92m; 64: vals, says Kongsberg.
system. Sustainability of manufacturing 3.33x3.92m; 66: When was it announced and what The wide-format traverse beam on the
is stressed. 3.33x5.52m markets is it aimed at? 64 and 66 tables is newly designed,
There are four bed sizes: the 24 and 44 Head speed 167.5m/min The machine was launched on 30 woven from a single filament of carbon,
models, with bed sizes of 1.68x3.2m and November 2023, at Kongsberg Customer wound around a proprietary internal
2.21x3.2m; and the 64 and 66 models, Head acceleration Experience Centre in Ghent and lives- structure for high strength and light
with beds of 3.21x3.2m and 3.21x4.8m. 2.7G treamed worldwide. Its first public dem- weight. Kongsberg says this means mini-
They can all run with either vacuum onstration was at Drupa, where it ran mal twisting and bending, under acceler-
belt material transport on the bed, with Max media thick- completely automatically with a vacuum ation or when generating the 50kg
automatic feeder and stacker units, or a ness 30mm belt advance plus the large feeder and downforce for creasing.
robotic material handler arm for greater stacker units. A new dual-zone safety system,
throughput. Tools Cutting, oscil- Target customers are corrugated con-
Stuart Fox, president and CEO of lating, creasing and verters requiring high-volume multi- Kongsberg SmartZone, monitors the mov-
perforating – three
Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems, fitted at once with batch production, for packaging or ing head carriage’s surroundings so there’s
says: “This is the first new machine auto selection display. The modular design will let them no need for a safety cage. Anyone moving
designed from the ground up, so to speak, scale up as required. Kongsberg unsur- into the first zone slows the head beam
since we became a standalone business, 30mm210x297mm/600x400mm prisingly expects customers with the (and its status light changes colour), allow-
which is why this is such a game-changer Feed capacity 30mm highest volume requirements to choose ing safe activities with uninterrupted out-
and not an extension to an existing the largest table versions, the 64 and 66. put. If they move too close into the second
range.” Those with limited space or smaller prod- zone the machine pauses everything.
The machine was launched on 30 November 2023, at Kongsberg Customer Experience Centre.

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